Aston Villa are stepping up their interest in a move to sign Bayern Munich outcast Joao Palhinha ahead of Newcastle, who are focusing on a deal for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, GIVEMESPORT sources understand.
The Villans have had a busy summer window after losing Youri Tielemans, Lucas Digne and Morgan Rogers, bringing in Joao Gomes, Johan Manzambi, and Alejandro Garnacho, while Unai Emery is still keen to make further additions before the transfer deadline after Amadou Onana was ruled out for the majority of the campaign due to an ACL injury.
That has seen the midfield become a priority in the final weeks of the window, and the club are now pushing to get a deal over the line for a familiar face.
Aston Villa Pushing for Palhinha Deal
Palhinha, who has been described as 'world-class', spent last season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur and scored the crucial goals that kept them in the Premier League. But the north London club opted against making his move permanent after signing Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, meaning he returned to parent club Bayern.
But the German side have made it clear that the 37-cap Portugal international has no future at the Allianz Arena, and they are desperate to offload him this month.
Clubs in Portugal have found a deal too difficult to do financially, while Newcastle United have also shown an interest in taking him to St James' Park. However, GMS understands that Villa are the frontrunners for his signature, and they are now pushing to find an agreement with the Bundesliga champions, with talks progressing.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are now prioritising a move to sign Denmark international Hojbjerg from Marseille, having held talks with the Ligue 1 side, GMS understands.
The Magpies are looking to replace Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, who left for Tottenham and Arsenal respectively in deals worth a combined £175m in this window, and new manager Matthias Jaissle has identified Hojbjerg as someone he wants in his squad, with the 31-year-old now seen as a leading target.
However, GIVEMESPORT sources understand that Hojbjerg has turned down a move to St James' Park at this stage, and talks on a move have stalled.
Cairney: Palhinha 'One of the Best'
During his time at Fulham in his first stint in the Premier League, Palhinha established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the division.
A move to Bayern ultimately hasn't worked out, which has seen his reputation take a hit. However, it's clear that he still has the quality to make an impact at the highest level, with Tom Cairney singing his praises.
"If you lose the ball, he smells blood," Cairney said.
"He’s probably one of the best I've ever seen off the ball, in terms of getting back, recovering and trying to win back the ball."
"He doesn't just put pressure on them, he goes back to win the ball and does the tackle.
"It's amazing to watch sometimes. I think the fans have taken to him. I think he's been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League."